We recently connected with Jen Grubb and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
I said yes to this business in 2014. In fact, I said no for 2 years before that. It is true. I had a dear friend who believed in the product and business for me WAY before I could even believe in it for myself. And to be honest I was scared to start or even how to start. But then one day I jumped in and guess what? It was scary. I had a lot of people tell me no. I even had my own family member question what I was doing. He even went so far to say that it probably won’t work out. I remember exactly where we were: he had picked me up from the airport after I had attended an amazing conference with my company, I was full of excitement, and ready to get to work and he said “so these things never work out you know? Why are you doing this?” Rejection can be hard and it can make you question everything about what you are doing, especially when it comes from a loved one. But you know what? I knew deep down that I wasn’t the only one that has started a business and I knew that it wasn’t going to happen overnight. One day at a time I became a student. I am surrounded by amazing leaders in my company who have done exactly what I have done, so I began to lean on them. I began to pay attention and follow their lead. I began to make an impact in peoples lives and leave my ego at the door. I attended trainings online and in person, I took care of my customers, and I began to fall in love with my business. And then I knew it was time to LEVEL UP! To really prove them all wrong. And life is about choices. I CHOSE to take my business fully online and embrace all the things: email, text, and social media. Because let’s be honest, this is where people spend most of their time. And I knew I could still keep the relationship side of my business. I knew I could still make an impact. So a mom of four, in her forties, completely embraced myself and started to brand myself online. I had no idea what I was doing, but I started anyway. I knew that as a busy mom and wife, online is where I wanted to be to build and scale this to a place that not only would help me, but my team and my family. 8 years later, hundreds of customers and a growing team…. The sky is the limit!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I bought my own business after a friends encouraged me, a happy customer, to jump in with her. At the time I was battling breast cancer, my oncologist approved of the products, the clinical research was there, so I knew I could make an impact. We are a highly successful, privately held health and wellness company operating in more than 20 countries today. Juice Plus+ delivers concentrated plant-based nutrition that helps you bridge the gap between what you should eat, and what you do eat, every day. We have an emphasis on the whole food, plant-based nutrition that is so important to our diets. My customers age range from 6 months to 80 years old. We have a simple, affordable solution for people looking to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet: from capsules, to chewables, shakes, omegas, and bars. I am most proud of the lives I am changing with the most thoroughly researched product in the world. Some customers are looking for better prevention, some are looking for help with their constipated child, and some are looking for a complete health change because they are battling illness and disease. In turn, the business is a place to earn extra income as simple as possible. Founded in 1970, this company has longevity and we celebrate all people – everyone is welcome! There is opportunity for everyone to be better with our products and company.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36 years old with no family history, no hormones issues, and no gene issues. It was a complete shock and made me reevaluate everything I was doing. From how I was taking care of me to how I wanted to spend my time. It changes the way you think and how you do life. I had to pivot. My focus went from putting me last, to putting me first physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Self care is not selfish, it is crucial to survive.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Social media is crucial to building a business. is it the only way? No, but this is where most people are at these days. Start simple. Start small. And BE CONSISTENT. What most people don’t realize is that social media can take time. Consistency is key and BE YOU! People want to see the real you, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I started with Facebook and posting daily all about my life. The posts were highlights and the stories were all the things that happened throughout the day. Once I got the hang of that, I added live videos and got more involved. Simple and consistent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grubb.juiceplus.com/us/en
- Instagram: @jen.grubb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer.g.grubb
- Twitter: @GrubbJennifer
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Chloe Saltarelli Photography